European National Identities: Elements, Transitions, Conflicts - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1412852684 ISBN 13: 9781412852685

Publisher: Routledge, 2014

Synopsis

Making sense of the perplexing diversity of Europe is a challenging task. How compatible are national identities in Europe? What makes Europe European? What do Europeans have in common?

European National Identities explores the diversity of European states, nations, and peoples. In doing so, the editors focus on the origins and elements of different national identities in Europe and different themes of national self-understanding. Each chapter contributes a unique view of national identities gravitating around myth, historical experiences and traumas, values, ethnic and linguistic differences, and religious fault lines.

This work grounds European national identities within cultural, historical, and political dynamics, which makes the work approachable for many readers, including historians, sociologists, and political scientists. In addition, the editors illustrate that national identities continue to be a source of contention and a challenge to political developments, the demands of immigrants and minorities, and the dynamics of European integration. This book draws particular attention to identity shifts and conflicts within individual European countries.

About this title

About the Author:

Roland Vogt is assistant professor of European studies and acting director of the European studies program at the University of Hong Kong. His most recent book is Europe and China: Strategic Partners or Rivals?

Wayne Cristaudo, currently at Charles Darwin University, Australia, is the author and editor of several books and journal issues in social and political philosophy.

Andreas Leutzsch is DAAD visiting and honorary assistant professor in European studies at the University of Hong Kong and fellow of the Institute for World Society at Bielefeld University. His books include Die Geschichte der Globalisierung als globalisierte Geschichte, Transnational Political Spaces, Kulturen der Weltwirtschaft, Deutschland als Modell?, and Nomaden.

Review:

“There is no question that the subject of identity, particularly in today’s political climate, remains extremely relevant to the European discourse. As such, the editors, with this well-written book, are to be commended for keeping the conversation alive and well. . . . European National Identities covers a huge expanse of geographical territory and outlines a wide-array of historical and social trends. It is accessible to both scholars and the general reader. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, it is relevant to historians and social scientists alike, and this well-scripted and lively book remains a valuable contribution to students of European studies.”

—Blake Duffield, International Social Science Review

"The authors skilfully present how nationhood has evolved in the European context and make it clear that diversity characterises not only Europe, but also its constituting nations and states. There are clear lessons that an outside observer can take from this book. First, it is clear that in Europe, the idea of a homogeneous nation and a unitary state does not constitute an aspiration for which people will engage in military struggles. . . . almost all chapters highlight the difficulty of defining the characteristics of a national identity. . . . However, there are other identifiers differentiating one nation from the other. Dennis Meyer, author of the chapter on France, introduces the concept of ‘cultural grammar’ in order to define characteristics of national identity. . . . the book fulfils its aim of showing the diversity and fluidity of national and collective identities to outside observers. As such, it will be rewarding reading for students and researchers outside Europe, if they are interested in debates on national identities in the continent."

—Zerrin Torun, Europe-Asia Studies  

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1412852684
• ISBN 13: 9781412852685
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 358
• Editor: Vogt Roland